The Starry-Eyed Podcast

Ep 51 - Talking Without Words & Best Buddies for Life with Gabby Cornelio and Charles Calhoun

This week, the pod is packed with big hearts & big laughs.
First up, Gabby Cornelio joins Brendan and Joel to talk about life with her son's feeding challenges and his own unique way of communicating—because let’s be real, words are so overrated anyway. She also wrote a bilingual book, My Brother Doesn’t Speak, but His Heart Does, proving that sometimes, siblings just get each other—no words necessary.
Then, we shift gears for a trip down memory lane with Charles Calhoun, Brendan’s partner-in-crime for 20 years through the Best Buddies program. Jen and Brendan grill Charles on their decades of friendship, the secrets to staying best buds, and whether Brendan was always this awesome (spoiler: probably).
Join us for an episode full of love, laughter, and proof that true connection goes way beyond words.
Get Gabby's book here or wherever you get your books.
Join the conversation on Facebook or by writing the show at podcast@williams-syndrome.org

Ep 50 - Tech Talk and Banjo AC/DC with Milton Neuenschwander and Christopher McClung

It's tech time on the pod! Producer Joel got his son his own mobile phone and now he needs some help to make sure everyone stays safe and the technology can be used for good - not evil.
Jen and Brendan are joined by Milton Neuenschwander from Tennessee's Department of Disabilities and Aging to talk about internet and phone safety, but also how assistive technology and AI can make navigating the world a bit easier.
Then, Christopher McClung joins Brendan and Joel for a bro-down talking about mashing up country music with AC/DC. Jen joins in later to talk first and wish-list concerts!
For some resources on assistive technology and internet safety, go to williams-syndrome.org/resources/internetsafety.
To reach out directly to Milton Neuenschwander, write him at Milton.Neuenschwander@tn.gov.
Croutons & Hearts y'all!

Ep 49 - HeARTs in the New Year with Marna Kalman

Let's make 2025 the year of Croutons and Hearts!! We kick it off with another longtime friend of Brendan's, Marna Kalman. She, Jen, and Brendan talk about living independently, working in a gallery, her jewelry business, and fine art! Check out her stuff at @mbymarna on Instagram. If you'd like to collaborate with her on jewelry or send her beads to create new work, email us at podcast@williams-syndrome.org, and we'll put you in touch!
So break out into song 'cause it's the start of a whole new year with The Starry-Eyed Podcast!

Ep 48 - Auld Shabang Syne with Sarah Giddings and Bret Fleming

The final pod of the year means we take a moment to look back on the year that was 2024 with the woman who kept the WSA chugging along for most of it: Sarah Giddings. From Convention to Camp to upcoming cruises, it was a year of amazing accomplishments and there's so much to look forward to in 2025.
Our final guest for 2024 is one of Brendan's best friends, Bret Fleming. They discuss all the music and mayhem from the last 25 years! Then Jen and Producer Joel surprise them with a game to determine who knows whom the best!
Thank you to all the audio listeners as we have passed over 10,000 downloads! Keep listening and we will keep the episodes coming!
If you'd like to be on the podcast or have questions for the hosts, go to Williams-syndrome.org/podcast!

Ep 47 - Manaakiao with Paola Martínez Vélez and Li'l Henry

The holidays are upon us and we are celebrating with a time traveler (no, not the Ghost of Christmas Future). Henry Stilwell (a.k.a. Li'l Henry) joins the pod from New Zealand to talk about the summer, his TV show, and his future aspirations. Then we welcome Paola Martínez Vélez from sunny Miami to discuss her journey with WS, advocating within the Latino and Hispanic communities, and her wonderful online store Pabea.

Ep 46 - The Giving Season with Bethany Walton and the Gang

Today the pod welcomes WSA Director of Operations Bethany Walton to talk about gift giving WSA-style! She discusses the new WSA Vendor Network, as well as highlighting store items in the WSA Store and at Outshine Labels.
First, Producer Joel joins Jen and Brendan to talk about the NFL's My Cause My Cleats campaign, signature beers, and all sorts of other December wonderfulness!
If you'd like to see businesses that support the WSA and the WS community, go to www.williams-syndrome.org/vendor-gift.
If you'd or your business would like to join the Vendor Network, fill out this questionnaire: https://form.jotform.com/242916661313152
 

Ep 45 - Loréal Lips and Dual Diagnosis with Anja Kaneski and Drs Elizabeth Barnhardt and Rebecca Lyren

On this episode, Jen and Brendan welcome Anja Kaneski who lives on her own in a group home and holds down a job in Brainerd, MN! She shares how the sudden, exciting changes in her life also bring about anxiety and stress, and the techniques she relies on to even out.
Then we explore the complex world of those who have a diagnosis of Williams syndrome and Autism. Dr. Elizabeth Barnhardt and Dr. Becca Lyren, who recently spoke on this subject at the 2024 WSA Convention, join to explain the diagnosis, answer questions, and give some guidance if you suspect your love one may have a dual diagnosis.
Don't forget, if you'd like to be a guest on the podcast, go to https://wkf.ms/3C2Ghvd and fill out the form.

Ep 44 - Dancing Through Life with Rebekah and Ellie Stewart

Today on the pod, we welcome from the great state of Iowa's Rebekah Stewart who had a up close view of her daughter Ellie's (13 WS) journey with the University of Iowa Dance Team through the Women's NCAA Basketball finals. Thanks to Team Impact (teamimpact.org) for helping Ellie get this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Jen, Brendan, Rebekah, Ellie, and eventually the whole Stewart fam take a wonderful scenic route telling stories and sharing experiences in what we hope will be a comforting listen on an otherwise chaotic day.
If you are interested in being a guest on the podcast, please go to Williams-syndrome.org/podcast and click on the interview request form!
Croutons & Hearts!

Ep 43 - Fight for Your Rights with Delaney O'Connell and Chad Wilson

Today's show exercises our civic duty as Jen and Brendan are joined by Delaney O'Connell, who is featured in the documentary Patrice, about a couple trying to fight the system that won't let them marry. On this show, we get to hear Delaney's story and how important self-advocacy is to her.
Then we are joined by Chad Wilson from the Minnesota Disability Law Center to talk about how to make sure your voice is heard at the ballot box. Whether it's transportation issues or understanding what is on the ballot, Chad shares some resources and tips on how to make your voting experience successful.
For more voting resources, go to https://www.williams-syndrome.org/resources/voting-resources

Ep 42 - Old Friends/New Challenges with Seth Link and Lisa Elm

Croutons and Hearts, my friends! This episode, Brendan introduces us to one of his longest and best friends: Seth Link. Seth tells us all about balancing the stress of his job with the rest of his life and how important the connection between friends is to him. 
Then we are joined by Lisa Elm who manages PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center. We also get into the huge part she's played in the creation of The Girl Who Cried Different by previous guests Tommy Barbarella and Mariella Elm (spoiler: she's Mariella's mom). I say we, because Producer Joel pops in when Jen has some heat related internet issues. But hey! That's the way the cookie crumbles.
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